Sunday, August 21, 2011

How do you help someone realize they are an alcoholic?

I work with a guy whose stories always involve alcohol and being drunk. Now I'm not substance abuse expert but having walked in those shoes I think that anyone who thinks so much about alcohol that it is a part of every story they tell is probably an alcoholic (based on the stories I have heard from him). He is sober by mandate right now- with the exception of any booze someone might smuggle him in a care package.
Do you approach people? In your early stages of recovery did anyone say anything to you that eventually inspired you to get sober? I work with this guy and will be working with him for the next year and I don't want to do anything to make the next year an uncomfortable experience.

5 comments:

i had a similar thing at work (where i was not 'out' about being an alcoholic). in the end i just told the person that i was in aa and a bit about why i had given up drinking. they said they worried about their own drinking and looked thoughtful but i don't know if they went to a meeting. in the end people will only do something about it when the time is right for them. good to see you still blogging.

Hi, good to see are doing well. It is so hard to know what to do. If you feel like you can talk with him you may be able to help another drunk. Problem is if he is not ready, he's not ready. Good Luck and I hope he is ready to admit he is powerless over alcohol.

That's why I'm in AA, the Alcoholics Anonymous "Big Book" tells you exactly what to do and how to do it when it comes to talking to another "alcoholic." I love AA and the ability to help others with the simple instructions in the book. :)

I lead by example, frankly I speak openly about my journey when asked and people do ask often. I've had the pleasure of taking 2 friends to meetings who used to talk just like your friend. It's his journey, all you can do is pray and be honest.